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Learning and satisfaction in a student‐led clinic
Author(s) -
Niwa Laura,
MacLellan Crystal L.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the clinical teacher
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.354
H-Index - 26
eISSN - 1743-498X
pISSN - 1743-4971
DOI - 10.1111/tct.13339
Subject(s) - medicine , experiential learning , patient satisfaction , physical therapy , quality of life (healthcare) , perception , rehabilitation , quality (philosophy) , medical education , psychology , family medicine , nursing , pedagogy , philosophy , epistemology , neuroscience
SUMMARY Background Student‐led clinics (SLCs) offer unique clinical placement experiences and address unmet community rehabilitation needs. There is growing evidence that SLCs provide high‐quality experiential practice and adequate quality of patient care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction with student‐led care and students’ perception of their learning experiences in a student‐led physiotherapy clinic. Methods Eight participants with total hip arthroplasty attended 6 weeks of student‐led group exercise classes. As a marker of quality of care, we assessed key outcomes including walking speed and endurance, lower extremity function, falls risk and self‐reported quality of life after 3 and 6 weeks. Patients completed a satisfaction survey at the end of the program. Ten students who completed a placement during this time shared their perception of learning in the SLC. Results Student‐led group exercise class was associated with improvements in walking speed and endurance, lower extremity function, a decrease in falls risk and improved quality of life. Patients were satisfied with their care. The SLC was a safe learning environment in which students felt well‐supported to develop confidence and independence, were encouraged to reflect on performance and take responsibility for care provided. Conclusion Patients are largely satisfied with the quality of care provided. High‐quality authentic clinical learning opportunities provided in the SLC may offer pedagogical benefits over traditional practicums, and students are generally satisfied with their learning experiences. SLCs may provide a setting to expose students to research and gain appreciation for evidence‐based practice.